Brandon Mhlanga –Head of Department for Animation
Brandon, a BA Honours graduate in Digital Arts majoring in Animation, was working with Dipopaai Studios for three years, producing independent animation features for YouTube and local public service announcements, prior to joining the Oakfields College team.
He sees his position at Oakfields College as enabling him to teach while simultaneously continuing his own education.
‘I enjoy learning and I believe that learning never stops. Oakfields College offered me a path in which I could carry on learning while sharing the knowledge and experience I already have.’
According to Brandon the greatest challenge facing students today is the multitude of options they have to choose from when deciding what to study.
As for lecturers, the challenge of the information age, where everything is evolving every second, is the constant duty of giving students up-to-date knowledge.
Adding value is very important to Brandon, and this is something he wants his students to gain from their learning experience with him.
‘Students should learn to bring value to the world. Whichever institute or studio they decide to pursue their career with, my students will bring a strong value proposition through their diverse skill and critical thinking. Always bring value and innovation.’ ‘Do not reinvent the wheel, make it spin faster.’
Brandon believes the small classes with fewer students at Oakfields College is a huge benefit, allowing for more individual and hands-on attention from the lecturers which enables students to improve their skills. Another benefit is the special and unique elements he introduces in his classes that will assist students to be employment-ready upon graduation.
‘We do all things 3D, our students are not bound by software.’
And one thing students would be surprised to find out about Brandon?
‘They would be surprised to know that I knowhow to farm as well as herd livestock.’
